Disneyworld vet Disneyland rookie

[FSU Girl]

So I'm trying to plan an amazing birthday surprise trip for my boyfriend. I originally was thinking of going to Las Vegas Friday/Saturday (depending on flight times) and staying through Wednesday then flying home. But I'm thinking that's a really long time to spend there and thought it would be really fun for us to go to Disneyland for the first time (for both of us) for part of this trip.

So I'm a total Disney world vet, I live in Florida, have an annual pass and go multiple times a year. I understand the hotels and where everything is and how FP+ works.

I don't know anything about Disneyland. I just looked at the website and saw there are three hotels on property and there are two parks that look to be walking distance of one another. Can these parks be done in one day? Two days? I'm trying to think how much time I should dedicate to here.

Which hotel would be the best to stay in? We won't have a car, which is completely new to me with always driving to Disney world. Is it easy to get around? Would I take an uber from the airport? Normally I'd ask my boyfriend these questions, but I'm trying really hard to make this trip a complete surprise. His birthday is in February.

I've been on this site for a long time, but this is my first time venturing over to this board. Any help or guidance would be welcomed.

 

[GatorChris]

I am truly hardpressed to help anyone with "FSU" in their name. And some of their fans I'd probably give "very special" advice. But for you, I'm making an exception. First, I'm a WDW vet. Went 7 times (week+ trips) during a ten year period, but started going to DL once FP+ kicked in after 2012.

When it comes to DL it's waaaayyyyy different than WDW. There are only 3 Disney owned hotels (all withing walking distance to the parks), but they're all more expensive than a moderate at WDW. Only the Grand Cali gives you that "escape" feeling that the Disney resorts do in Florida. If you're looking for something more affordable, you'll need to stay somewhere across the street. And since you're new and don't know any of those places, here's a link to a map (kinda old and doesn't have quite everything) with hotel names on it: http://anaheim-attractions.10-best.info/disney_map.pdf. You really want to stay to the "right" of Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. Those hotels are all withing walking distance to both parks.

As for time, I'd get at least 3 days for the parks. Hit both parks for a day each, and the third day you can go back and do all of your favorites again. That's a bare minimum. I would recommend 4 or 5 days to get a full DL experience under your belt.

You will love/hate the size of the parks. Love it because it's easy to get anywhere in the park or just switch parks. Hate it because you'll feel like a sardine compared to space you get at WDW. But it will be a new experience, and sometimes that's just what you need!

 

[LoriLovesDisneyland]

Hi!
I am no expert, but if you will not have a car, I would stay either at one of the 3 Disney resorts or if those are too spendy you could stay at the Best Western across the street from the entrance to the Esplanade. You can easily use an Uber or a shuttle from the airport. I love the Grand Californian since it has its own entrance into California Adventure.

 

[LoriLovesDisneyland]

I am truly hardpressed to help anyone with "FSU" in their name. And some of their fans I'd probably give "very special" advice. But for you, I'm making an exception. First, I'm a WDW vet. Went 7 times (week+ trips) during a ten year period, but started going to DL once FP+ kicked in after 2012.

When it comes to DL it's waaaayyyyy different than WDW. There are only 3 Disney owned hotels (all withing walking distance to the parks), but they're all more expensive than a moderate at WDW. Only the Grand Cali gives you that "escape" feeling that the Disney resorts do in Florida. If you're looking for something more affordable, you'll need to stay somewhere across the street. And since you're new and don't know any of those places, here's a link to a map (kinda old and doesn't have quite everything) with hotel names on it: http://anaheim-attractions.10-best.info/disney_map.pdf. You really want to stay to the "right" of Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. Those hotels are all withing walking distance to both parks.

As for time, I'd get at least 3 days for the parks. Hit both parks for a day each, and the third day you can go back and do all of your favorites again. That's a bare minimum. I would recommend 4 or 5 days to get a full DL experience under your belt.

You will love/hate the size of the parks. Love it because it's easy to get anywhere in the park or just switch parks. Hate it because you'll feel like a sardine compared to space you get at WDW. But it will be a new experience, and sometimes that's just what you need!

I agree, 3 days minimum, 4-5 days Ideally!

 

[Pamela M]

I'm sure someone will give you detailed info but here's some quick answers to your questions.

1- you don't have to stay on property to walk to the Disneyland. There are lots of hotels that are very close and can be less expensive. Some are even closer than the Disneyland Hotel itself. If you decided to go off-site I would review the threads for hotels that everyone likes that are walkable. Just be careful of extra fees like parking & Resort fees which can make it more expensive.

2- Disneyland and California Adventure are VERY close together. The entrances (they face each other) are so close that on really busy times you don't know which line is for Disneyland and which are for California Adventure. This makes it very easy "hop" from one park to the other.

3- If you've never been to Disneyland I would say get a 3 day park hopper and do 2 1/2 days. Meaning if you fly in and can be in the park by 1-2pm until close plus 2 full days you should be able to see almost all of the parks and shows.

4- Fastpasses. Disneyland just introduced MaxPass which allows you to get fastpasses on your phone vs going to the fastpass station but it does cost per person. But I think most people just use the old fashion Fastpass. Unlike Disneyworld you can only get a fastpass once your in the park.

5- You should haven any issues taking a lyft or uber from the airport. I believe they also have buses that will pick you up and deliver you for a fee. There are 2 airports you can fly into - I think everyone prefers Orange county vs LAX but I'm sure someone here will be able to confirm.

 

[LoriLovesDisneyland]

I have only flown into Orange County. It is a medium sized airport and I loved it. I flew in on a Sunday once in August and it was so quiet, we were the only people on the Disneyland Resort shuttle.

 

[FSU Girl]

Thank you all! These are all really helpful, I'm feeling a bit lost trying to figure everything out.

I am truly hardpressed to help anyone with "FSU" in their name. And some of their fans I'd probably give "very special" advice. But for you, I'm making an exception. First, I'm a WDW vet. Went 7 times (week+ trips) during a ten year period, but started going to DL once FP+ kicked in after 2012.

When it comes to DL it's waaaayyyyy different than WDW. There are only 3 Disney owned hotels (all withing walking distance to the parks), but they're all more expensive than a moderate at WDW. Only the Grand Cali gives you that "escape" feeling that the Disney resorts do in Florida. If you're looking for something more affordable, you'll need to stay somewhere across the street. And since you're new and don't know any of those places, here's a link to a map (kinda old and doesn't have quite everything) with hotel names on it: http://anaheim-attractions.10-best.info/disney_map.pdf. You really want to stay to the "right" of Disneyland on Harbor Blvd. Those hotels are all withing walking distance to both parks.

As for time, I'd get at least 3 days for the parks. Hit both parks for a day each, and the third day you can go back and do all of your favorites again. That's a bare minimum. I would recommend 4 or 5 days to get a full DL experience under your belt.

You will love/hate the size of the parks. Love it because it's easy to get anywhere in the park or just switch parks. Hate it because you'll feel like a sardine compared to space you get at WDW. But it will be a new experience, and sometimes that's just what you need!

LOL that's very kind of you. I'll take a look at that link.

I'm sure someone will give you detailed info but here's some quick answers to your questions.

1- you don't have to stay on property to walk to the Disneyland. There are lots of hotels that are very close and can be less expensive. Some are even closer than the Disneyland Hotel itself. If you decided to go off-site I would review the threads for hotels that everyone likes that are walkable. Just be careful of extra fees like parking & Resort fees which can make it more expensive.

2- Disneyland and California Adventure are VERY close together. The entrances (they face each other) are so close that on really busy times you don't know which line is for Disneyland and which are for California Adventure. This makes it very easy "hop" from one park to the other.

3- If you've never been to Disneyland I would say get a 3 day park hopper and do 2 1/2 days. Meaning if you fly in and can be in the park by 1-2pm until close plus 2 full days you should be able to see almost all of the parks and shows.

4- Fastpasses. Disneyland just introduced MaxPass which allows you to get fastpasses on your phone vs going to the fastpass station but it does cost per person. But I think most people just use the old fashion Fastpass. Unlike Disneyworld you can only get a fastpass once your in the park.

5- You should haven any issues taking a lyft or uber from the airport. I believe they also have buses that will pick you up and deliver you for a fee. There are 2 airports you can fly into - I think everyone prefers Orange county vs LAX but I'm sure someone here will be able to confirm.

This is SOO helpful thank you! I'm going to look at the neighboring hotels since the Disney ones are pretty expensive, but since it's a birthday surprise for my boyfriend I don't mind spending a little extra to make it nice. The three day park hopper sounds like a good idea!

For the airports would flying into Orange County happen on a smaller plane? I'm afraid of flying and definitely prefer the larger plans. Is one closer to the parks?

Also any chance they give a discount on tickets when I have an annual pass for their other park? I'm guessing no lol but worth a shot to ask.

 

[pblack]

Orange county is still a "major" airport, so as long as you're flying on the major airlines you should have a normal sized plane. Orange county is definitely closer to Disney than LAX would be and like others have mentioned way less congested. I think an uber ride from Orange County is about 15 mins give or take.

I don't believe they give any discounts for holding a WDW AP. I know you can buy an AP that is good at both parks, don't know how much it is though or if it would be worth your while.

 

[dizneefan13]

I definitely recommend flying into Orange County (SNA) they have either shuttles or of course Uber/Lyft.
Staying on Harbor, right across from Disney/DCA is a breeze and much more affordable than a Disney Resort, especially during your time of year.
We have stayed at many of them, and they are affordable. Nothng fancy, but who goes to Disneyland and spends much time in their room? You'll get a good idea about each of them on the websites and from here and Tripadisor.
I would also say minimum 3 days for the parks. One day each side, then the third to do what you liked most.
Good luck keeping this a birthday surprise for your boyfriend. How sweet of you!

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

If you really want to stay onsite, the Grand Californian opens INTO California Adventure. That would be a huge selling point for me if I was going to stay onsite. I stayed across the street from the pedestrian entrance, and it was closer than I've ever been at DW.

We did 3.5 days as first timers, and that was good. We spent one full day in each park, one day going back and forth, and the last day just to hit our favorites ones more time.

 

[5forMickey]

Where do you typically stay at Disney World - that may give us more information to better assist you.

For myself, I would do at least 2 days and stay onsite. Most of the places on Harbor are actually Motel's with outside entrances if that matters to you. The new Courtyard Marriott is nice and still very walkable.

 

[Davin_Felth]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but HydroGuy's guide to DisneyLand for Disney World Vets is a very useful thread. I'm not sure if he's updated the fastpass info yet though, which has all changed this summer.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

If it was me, I would plan to do Disney over the weekend (plus one weekday) and Vegas during the week. Vegas is obscenely overpriced on the weekends. You can get a really special hotel room in Vegas by going midweek. The flights will be cheaper too. Flights between Las Vegas (LAS) and Orange County (SNA)/Long Beach (LGB) are frequent and usually inexpensive. Plus Disneyland nighttime entertainment (fireworks, Fantasmic) will only be running on the weekends in February so going on the weekend will allow you guys to experience that.

We have stayed at the Grand Legacy hotel across the street from DLR. Yes, it is a motel. But it was fine for our needs. Clean and comfortable. Parking was $15/day and you get a snack bag in the morning with an apple, granola bar, string cheese and a bottle of water. When I stayed I paid $95/night (AP holder discount) so it was more than worth that price. But of all it took a total of 7 minutes to walk from the hotel to Disneyland and that included going through the security line. There are lots of other hotels in the same area, all easy walking distance. Some a little nicer, some a little less nice. Do some research on TripAdvisor or here and you will find something great.

 

[azdisneylover]

I would suggest like many have, at least 3 days to park hop and stay across the street on Harbor Blvd. There are decent places if you only sleep and shower. Best Western Park Place Inn, Tropicana, Desert Inn and Suites, Del Sol are the closest. If money isn't an object, stay onsite, especially at Grand Californian. I would go to Disneyland first, then Las Vegas. Have fun planning!!

 

[chickapin parterre]

normal size planes flying into Orange county, look at as over flow parking for large vehicles. The reason that is not a major airport is because it is venue for private jets and keeps the very crowded air space less hectic. there are five airports in the L.A area compared to the three in NYC, and all five of those airports carry normal size planes....especially traveling to the high tourist density of Las Vegas

 

[FSU Girl]

I definitely recommend flying into Orange County (SNA) they have either shuttles or of course Uber/Lyft.
Staying on Harbor, right across from Disney/DCA is a breeze and much more affordable than a Disney Resort, especially during your time of year.
We have stayed at many of them, and they are affordable. Nothng fancy, but who goes to Disneyland and spends much time in their room? You'll get a good idea about each of them on the websites and from here and Tripadisor.
I would also say minimum 3 days for the parks. One day each side, then the third to do what you liked most.
Good luck keeping this a birthday surprise for your boyfriend. How sweet of you!

I googled the distance between the two airports and definitely like the 15 minute drive vs 45 minute (with traffic probably longer). It's hard planning a surprise trip so many things have to be kept quiet.

Where do you typically stay at Disney World - that may give us more information to better assist you.

For myself, I would do at least 2 days and stay onsite. Most of the places on Harbor are actually Motel's with outside entrances if that matters to you. The new Courtyard Marriott is nice and still very walkable.

Normally I stay at the Deluxe hotels on property, I've stayed at a few of the moderates and they weren't bad, I did not like the values I stayed at. I like staying at the DVC villas on cash, but noticed that wasn't an option on the website for Disneyland.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but HydroGuy's guide to DisneyLand for Disney World Vets is a very useful thread. I'm not sure if he's updated the fastpass info yet though, which has all changed this summer.

Thank you! That's super helpful

If it was me, I would plan to do Disney over the weekend (plus one weekday) and Vegas during the week. Vegas is obscenely overpriced on the weekends. You can get a really special hotel room in Vegas by going midweek. The flights will be cheaper too. Flights between Las Vegas (LAS) and Orange County (SNA)/Long Beach (LGB) are frequent and usually inexpensive. Plus Disneyland nighttime entertainment (fireworks, Fantasmic) will only be running on the weekends in February so going on the weekend will allow you guys to experience that.

We have stayed at the Grand Legacy hotel across the street from DLR. Yes, it is a motel. But it was fine for our needs. Clean and comfortable. Parking was $15/day and you get a snack bag in the morning with an apple, granola bar, string cheese and a bottle of water. When I stayed I paid $95/night (AP holder discount) so it was more than worth that price. But of all it took a total of 7 minutes to walk from the hotel to Disneyland and that included going through the security line. There are lots of other hotels in the same area, all easy walking distance. Some a little nicer, some a little less nice. Do some research on TripAdvisor or here and you will find something great.

I wish I could switch the days around, but I'm getting all his friends to fly into Vegas as a surprise and it would be a lot harder getting people to go if it's over a weekday instead of weekend. The hotel prices I was looking at for Vegas were actually a lot cheaper than Disney's hotels.

I would suggest like many have, at least 3 days to park hop and stay across the street on Harbor Blvd. There are decent places if you only sleep and shower. Best Western Park Place Inn, Tropicana, Desert Inn and Suites, Del Sol are the closest. If money isn't an object, stay onsite, especially at Grand Californian. I would go to Disneyland first, then Las Vegas. Have fun planning!!

Thanks I'll look into those hotels. The Grand Californian does look really cool but is very expensive so not sure if it'll fit into my budget. I wish I could switch the days around, but I need to keep Vegas on the weekend so all his friends can meet up with us.

normal size planes flying into Orange county, look at as over flow parking for large vehicles. The reason that is not a major airport is because it is venue for private jets and keeps the very crowded air space less hectic. there are five airports in the L.A area compared to the three in NYC, and all five of those airports carry normal size planes....especially traveling to the high tourist density of Las Vegas

Thanks that's good to know. I'm scared of flying and haven't been on a plane in years so my knowledge on flying is very limited.

 

[HydroGuy]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but HydroGuy's guide to DisneyLand for Disney World Vets is a very useful thread. I'm not sure if he's updated the fastpass info yet though, which has all changed this summer.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/a-dlr-guide-for-wdw-vets.1162599/

I have not updated the MaxPass info. Hoping to get the WDW vets thread a complete update in August some time.

 

[HydroGuy]

I googled the distance between the two airports and definitely like the 15 minute drive vs 45 minute (with traffic probably longer). It's hard planning a surprise trip so many things have to be kept quiet.


Normally I stay at the Deluxe hotels on property, I've stayed at a few of the moderates and they weren't bad, I did not like the values I stayed at. I like staying at the DVC villas on cash, but noticed that wasn't an option on the website for Disneyland.


Thank you! That's super helpful



I wish I could switch the days around, but I'm getting all his friends to fly into Vegas as a surprise and it would be a lot harder getting people to go if it's over a weekday instead of weekend. The hotel prices I was looking at for Vegas were actually a lot cheaper than Disney's hotels.



Thanks I'll look into those hotels. The Grand Californian does look really cool but is very expensive so not sure if it'll fit into my budget. I wish I could switch the days around, but I need to keep Vegas on the weekend so all his friends can meet up with us.


Thanks that's good to know. I'm scared of flying and haven't been on a plane in years so my knowledge on flying is very limited.

The GCH can be incredibly expensive. They do run discounts at certain times of year. The DLH is closer to a WDW Deluxe than a moderate and its price is high but down a notch from GCH. So that may be an option. I have not stayed at PPH for many years but would put that above a moderate as well.

Don't be afraid to stay at a non-DLR hotel. Lots of dual DLR/WDW vets do. It is not like staying offsite at WDW. If you do I always highly recommend a walking distance hotel.

 

[FSU Girl]

For buying park tickets, do they have a My Disney Experience account like Disney World does? I don't want the park tickets to show up anywhere he could see them. Also the park dates for February aren't out yet, could I still buy a multi-day ticket?

 

[Davin_Felth]

For buying park tickets, do they have a My Disney Experience account like Disney World does? I don't want the park tickets to show up anywhere he could see them. Also the park dates for February aren't out yet, could I still buy a multi-day ticket?

You'll want to download the Official DisneyLand app.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...&hl=en&usg=AFQjCNH9WywdumRUOLOYLVk--mTNvWVwyQ

You can log into your Disney account from it, and purchase your tickes. When you go through the entrance on the first day, they'll scan the bar codes from your phone and give you physical tickets at the turnstyle (You don't have to visit the ticket booths).